Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh holds interaction with Udhampur public representatives , civil society members in wake of security concerns

Dr. Jitendra Singh for the formation of a Civil Society Committee to facilitate regular feedback, timely suggestions

Udhampur’s long-pending dream of an operational airport is close to reality, a development expected to significantly boost local connectivity both for civilians as well as the Army which has its Northern headquarters over here

Widening of the Dhar Road for smooth movement of security forces and the much-anticipated Ujh Multipurpose Project which is also proved vulnerable for cross border infiltrations

Posted On: 27 APR 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visited Udhampur today, where he held a comprehensive interaction with public representatives and local citizens and also conducted a review of the security arrangements.

During the meeting, while reassuring the citizens about reinforcement in security deployment, Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the government’s initiatives for the all-round development of the district. He highlighted several key infrastructure and public welfare projects in the region which are being expedited because of their security relevance as well.

These, the Minister said, include the widening of the Dhar Road for smooth movement of security forces and the much-anticipated Ujh Multipurpose Project which is also proved vulnerable for cross border infiltrations and is being pursued by both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He expressed optimism about positive progress on the project.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also revealed that Udhampur’s long-pending dream of an operational airport is close to reality, a development expected to significantly boost local connectivity both for civilians as well as the Army which has its Northern headquarters over here and also the economic prospects.

Adding to the infrastructure push, he informed that the proposed Chatargala Tunnel project is on the agenda, promising to further improve road connectivity in the region and avoid its turning into a militant hideout particularly when it is snow clad and cut off. . He said that efforts are underway to improve mobile connectivity in Udhampur, with the installation and streamlining of mobile towers across the district.

Addressing the needs of youth, the Minister announced that army recruitment drives have resumed, and discussions have already been held with the incoming General Officer Commanding (GOC), Lt Gen Prateek Sharma, who will soon assume charge.

He further underscored Udhampur’s growing importance in the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, particularly as train services will directly connect pilgrims to the area.

Dr. Jitendra Singh called for the formation of a Civil Society Committee to facilitate regular feedback, timely inputs. He added that such a mechanism will enhance participatory governance.

Speaking on security concerns, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that appropriate security responses will be ensured. “The recent events are an eye-opener. We will address all concerns and constraints to ensure peace and safety. Miscreants will be dealt with firmly,” he added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed his appreciation to the district administration, particularly the Deputy Commissioner, for their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order and supporting developmental initiatives.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2124739) Visitor Counter : 104

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visits Udhampur, reviews security arrangements at high

We will address all concerns and constraints to ensure peace and safety. Miscreants will be dealt with firmly,

Also had a detailed meeting with Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take over as GoC Northern Command Udhampur from 1st May

Detailed discussion about hot spots, vulnerability  and strategies to plug the same were discussed in length an breath

Posted On: 27 APR 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visited Udhampur today, where he conducted a review of the security arrangements.

Speaking on security concerns, Dr. Jitendra  Singh said that appropriate security responses will be ensured. “ We will address all concerns and constraints to ensure peace and safety. Miscreants will be dealt with firmly,” he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that he had also had a detailed meeting with Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take over as GoC Northern Command Udhampur from 1^st May. He appreciated the role of Indian Army in keeping the morale of general public high through their strategic presence at sensitive points.

He also extended good wishes to Gen Pratik Sharma who is taking over command at a time when J& K is in focus.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed his appreciation  to the district administration, for their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order and supporting developmental initiatives.

 

Detailed discussion about hot spots, vulnerability  and strategies to plug the same were discussed in length and. Breath. Directions were issued to work in sync and coordination with all security agencies.

The media was not allowed into the high level security meeting. However, later Dr Jitendra Singh speaking to the media, said that such details can’t be shared in public. He said , there are certain inputs which are available only with the concerned security agencies and they act accordingly without speaking about it openly but the positive outcomes become visible to public after the success of their action, he said.

Nevertheless, the Minister said, the security forces had spelt out a plan to keep the confidence of the general public high and not let them feel insecure by any means.

Senior officers DIG Udhampur Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi , DC Udhampur Saloni Rai, SSP Amod Nagpure, ADDC Rajinder Singh , ADC Prem Singh , ACR Umesh Shan, SDM Chennai Ranjit Kotwal ,SDM Ramnagar Rajinder Singh Rana, SDM Dudu  Manmeet Kumar & SDM Basant Garh, Waheed Ul Rehman, SDPO Ramnagar, Sultan Mirza, SDPO Chenani Sukhvir Singh, DY SP HQ Prahlad Sharma, Dy SP PC Udhampur Asgar were present for the meeting.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2124738) Visitor Counter : 110

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 APR 2025 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

There is a misleading message doing the rounds on WhatsApp pertaining to donation to a particular bank account for the modernisation of the Indian Army and for the soldiers injured or killed in action. The message quotes a Cabinet decision to this effect and invokes the name of actor Shri Akshay Kumar as being the prime mover of the proposal.

The account details in the said message are wrong, leading to online donations getting dishonoured. People must remain cautious and not fall prey to such fraudulent messages.

The Government has initiated several welfare schemes for soldiers killed or disabled during active combat operations.

• In 2020, Government instituted ‘Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)’ which is utilised for grant of immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers/sailors/airmen who lay down their lives or get grievously injured in active military operations. The Indian Army, on behalf of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence maintains the accounts for the fund. Contribution can be made directly in the account of Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund. Details of the bank accounts are given below:

 

1^st Account

Fund Name	Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name	Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code	CNRB0019055
Account No	90552010165915
Type of A/c	Saving

 

2^nd Account

Fund Name	Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name	State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code	SBIN0000691
Account No	40650628094
Type of A/c	Saving

 

Donations can also be made through a Demand Draft drawn in favor of AFBCWF payable at New Delhi which may be sent by post to the following address:

 

Accounts Section

Adjutant General’s Branch

Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate

Room No 281-B, South Block

IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi – 110011

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2124728) Visitor Counter : 157

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 APR 2025 4:53PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 27 April 2025

 

The Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) has announced the top 10 finalists of the Innovate2Educate: Handheld Device Design challenge. The competition, organised by the IDGS in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as part of the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, is aimed at driving innovation among the youth at the intersection of technology, education, and gaming, inspiring breakthrough ideas and design for handheld devices that can revolutionize learning experiences.

The top 10 finalists have been selected from 1856 registration of innovative ideas after rigorous evaluation by an expert jury panel comprising industry leaders, technologists, educators, and designers. The jury includes Mr Indrajit Ghosh, Co-Founder, Eruditio; Mr Rajeev Nagar, Country Manager, Inda and SAARC, Huion; and Mr Jeffrey Cray, Co-Founder and Product Head, Squid Academy.

The 10 finalists are:

1. KARNATA PARVA – Code Craft Junior (Karnataka)

2. VIDYARTHI – Smart Learning Tablet for Kids: An Interactive and Adaptive Educational Companion (Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh)

The young innovators have developed the Smart Learning Tablet—a low-cost, voice-assisted, interactive educational device powered by ESP8266 or Raspberry Pi. Designed with children in mind, this tablet provides a screen-free, internet-free alternative to traditional and digital learning tools that are often inaccessible due to high costs and connectivity barriers.

3. TECH TITANS – Smart Handwriting Learning Device with Interactive Writing Assistance (Tamil Nadu)

Blending traditional writing methods with modern technology, the Smart Handwriting Learning Device is designed to transform how children learn to write. The device offers real-time interactive feedback, a multilingual learning experience, and an offline, affordable solution tailored especially for early learners in underserved areas.

4. PROTOMINDS – EduSpark (Delhi, Kerala, UP, Bihar)

EduSpark is an affordable, AI-powered handheld device designed to spark curiosity and accelerate cognitive growth in young children aged 6 to 8. Apart is its adaptive AI engine as children play educational games—ranging from Sudoku and math challenges to mazes and memory puzzles—the device adjusts difficulty in real-time, helping each learner progress at their own pace.

5. APEX ACHIEVERS – BODMAS Quest: Gamified Math Learning For Smarter Education (Tamil Nadu)

BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction) often poses challenges to young learners, slowing their confidence and progress in mathematics. BODMAS Quest changes that by transforming learning into an immersive, reward-based journey.

6. SCIENCEVERSE – The Imperative of Interactive Educational Handheld Devices for Children (Indonesia)

7. V20 – VFit – Interactive Learning Through Play (Tamil Nadu)

8. WARRIORS– Maha-shastra (Dehi)

Maha-Shastra is an innovative educational ecosystem designed to reshape the learning experience for students aged 5 to 18. . Built for inclusivity and scalability, the platform combines quizzes, real-time simulations, AI-powered tutoring, and multilingual support to meet the diverse needs of learners across India and beyond. Its core is a handheld AI-powered device that engages students through interactive games, adaptive quizzes, and offline collaboration using LoRa-based meshtastic networks

9. KIDDYMAITRI– A Handheld Mathematical Gaming Console (Mumbai, Odisha, Karnataka)

Over half of Indian students tested fell below global minimum standards in foundational numeracy. Recognizing this critical challenge, Team Kiddymaitri took inspiration from NEP 2020, focusing on native language learning, technological integration, and traditional Indian values to develop a truly local and impactful learning solution.

10. E-GROOTS– Micro Controller Mastery Kit (Tamil Nadu)

The top 10 shortlisted teams will present their ideas at a special showcase during the WAVES 2025 in Mumbai. The winners of the challenge will be felicitated at the grand finale by the ministry.

 

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Register for WAVES now

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Edgar/ Darshana | 110

 

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(Release ID: 2124722) Visitor Counter : 57

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 28 APR 2025 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

A two-day interactive workshop on adoption of Industry 4.0 & Quality Assurance (QA) 4.0 for Defence Production was conducted by Ministry of Defence (MoD) & Department of Defence Production (DDP) on April 24 & 25, 2025 at HQ Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). The workshop was aimed at brainstorming the nuances for implementation of automation in different Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSUs) and learning from each other’s experience.

The workshop was inaugurated by Joint Secretary (Land Systems) MoD/ DDP, Dr Garima Bhagat. Dr Bhagat highlighted that MoD is committed to working with DPSUs and the Industry to use niche technologies like loT, Big data Analytics, Al & Block Chain etc. for Adoption of Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 towards producing World Class Defence Products. During the interactive workshop, Director General, DGQA Shri N Manoharan, informed that a National Level Defence Quality Conclave is scheduled on May 08, 2025 wherein the vision document of Adoption of Industry 4.0 & QA 4.0 will be released and an expert panel discussion on the subject will be held.

The workshop was conducted under the ‘Year of Reforms’ initiative as per the directions of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar.

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SR/KB

(Release ID: 2124847) Visitor Counter : 74

Source: Government of India

WAVES Animation Film-makers’ Challenge brings to the fore 42 amazing animation films

Animation Films: 18 short films, 12 feature films, 9 TV series and 3 AR/VR projects make it to WAVE Summit

Posted On: 28 APR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 28 April 2025

 

The 42 finalists of the Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC), held as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season-1’ of World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025, were declared in the second week of April. Dancing Atoms Studios, which collaborated with the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in organizing the national level challenge since its inception, has brought out a comprehensive creative catalogue on the best 42 projects to be showcased in the WAVE Summit to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. This unique initiative aims to connect talented creators with like-minded individuals, producers, and distributors, fostering collaborations between creators and the industry that transcend geographical boundaries. 

These best 42 projects that came up from after a rigorous nine-month evaluation process of the competition, have shown a focus on original storytelling across the entire spectrum of animation, encompassing traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual production. The creative catalogue features a diverse range of innovative projects, including – 12 feature films, 18 short films, TV Series: 9 TV/Limited Series and 3 AR/VR experiences. All 42 shortlisted film projects will be showcased to industry stakeholders through this unique initiative. 

The shortlisted 18 short animation film creators and their projects are as follows:

1) Shreya Sachdev – Vani

2) Shrikant S Menon – Odiyan

3) Prasanth Kumar Nagadasi – Best Friends

4) Shweta Subhash Marathe – MELTING SHAME

5) Anika Rajesh – Achappam

6) Martand Anand Ugalmugle – Chandomama

7) Kiruthika Ramasubramanian – A Dream’s Dream

8) Harish Narayan Iyer – KARABI

9) Triparna Maiti – The Chair

10) Arundhati Sarkar – So close yet so far, 

11) Gadam Jagadish Prasad Yadav – Symphony of Darkness

12) Vetrivel – The Last Treasure

13) Gargi Gawthe – Godva

14) Shreeyaa Vinayak Pore – Kali (Bud)

15) Harshita Das – Luna 

16) Sandhra Mary – MISSING

17) Richa Bhutani – Climatescape

18) Hirak Jyoti Nath – Tales From The Tea House

The 12 finalists of animation feature films creators and their projects are:

1) Catharina Dian Wiraswati S – Fly!

2) Shubham Tomar – Mahzun 

3) Srikanth bhogi – Rudhra

4) Anirban Majumder- BABAR AUR BANNO – A friendship saga

5) Nandan Balakrishnan – The Dream Balloon

6) Jacqueline C Ching – Lykke and the Trolls

7) Rohit Sankhla – Dwarka The Lost City of Shree Krishna

8) Bhagat Singh Saini – RED WOMAN

9) Abhijeet Saxena – Arise, Awake

10) Vamsi Bandaru – Ayurveda Chronicles – Search for the Lost Light

11) Piyush Kumar – Wrong programming..the unleashed wars of ai.

12) Khambor Batei – Kharjana – Lapalang – A Khasi Folklore Reimagined

The 9 shortlisted animation TV/Limited Series creators and their projects are: 

1) Jyothi Kalyan Sura – Jackie & Jilal

2) Tuhin Chanda – Chupi : Silence behind laws

3) Kishore Kumar Kedari – Age of the Deccan: The Legend of Malik Ambar

4) Bhagyashree Satapathy – Pāśa

5) Rishav Mohanty – Khatti 

6) Sukankan Roy – Sound of Joy

7) Atreyee Poddar, Sangeeta Poddar and Bimal Poddar – MORAY KAKA

8) Prasenjit Singha – The Quiet Chaos

9) Segun Samson,Omotunde Akiode – Maapu.

The 3 AR/VR experience creators and their projects are:

1) Sundar Mahalingam – Ashvamedha – The Unsealed Fate 

2) Anuj kumar Choudhary – Liminalism

3) Isha Chandna – Toxic Effect Of Substance Abuse On Human Body. 

For the first time, bringing all 42 projects together in one creative catalogue is a testament to the sheer talent we have discovered, stated Saraswathi Buyyala, Founder and CEO of Dancing Atims Studios. The Waves Advisory Board, comprising industry veterans and influential figures in media and entertainment, will play a crucial role in evaluating the potential of these projects and guiding them towards production and distribution, she added. Ms. Buyyala also informed, the global revenue generated by these dynamic verticals underscores the immense potential within the animation industry. In 2024, the global animation market witnessed substantial growth. Short Films contributed an estimated $20 billion in revenue through various platforms including online streaming, festivals, while educational content is projected to reach $70 billion USD by 2032. Feature Films, which represents the largest segment, generated approximately $30 billion USD to $32.3 billion USD at the global box office and through ancillary markets. Animation TV Series experienced a boom driven by streaming services, accounting for around $512 billion USD in production and licensing revenue. AR/VR and immersive entertainment market, including AR/VR animation is a burgeoning sector. It reached an estimated USD 22.12 billion and USD 79.36 billion, with significant growth projections. AR/VR technologies are transforming sectors including gaming, healthcare, retail, education, and manufacturing, fueled by demand for immersive experiences and substantial investment. While North America holds a significant share, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated for the fastest growth, she added. 

For more details on the WAVES 2025 Animation Filmmakers Challenge, please see: 

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2122837

Click here to view the catalogue on the 42 finalists of Animation Filmmakers Challenge. 

 

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here  

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now. 

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Sriyanka/ Darshana | 111

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(Release ID: 2124840) Visitor Counter : 39

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region